Is it possible to make pesto without cheese? The answer is YES: The trick is to use nutritional yeast flakes, which lend a bit of “umami” flavor. You can find it in most grocery stores as well as natural food stores.
This recipe can be customized to your taste: try using cashews, pistachios or pine nuts. I chose walnuts because of their high omega 3 content.This is great stirred into veggies or as a condiment over your favorite protein. You can also substitute out garlic cloves for scapes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw walnuts, shelled (not roasted)
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 4 cloves garlic
- Zest and juice from 1 large lemon
- 2/3 cup olive oil (you also could use a light nut oil like walnut or macadamia)
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender and blend until well combined.
- Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator.
Did you know that having a salad every day is one of the easiest ways to improve your health?
Not only will it “crowd out” the not so good stuff, but you will boost your health with the extra antioxidants,
stay satisfied longer from the healthy fats & fiber, and get in your greens!